Exposed Spaces: Rooms That Display Their Natural Materials

Some of my favorite things about interior design are the various elements that can be brought into a space to make it unique. The variety of textures and materials can be an important part of adding personality to your rooms—especially when those rooms are essentially just plain drywall boxes. These spaces don’t have that problem; they all proudly display the materials used in constructing them—and they do so to great effect.

Plywood, Lumber, Glass and Steel

This bedroom has an open and airy feeling due to all of the glass, but the use of unpainted plywood and lumber help tie the space to it’s wooded outdoor surroundings. The exposed steel adds a modern and slightly industrial aspect as well.

Concrete, Wood, Steel, and Cinder Blocks

Image: Desire to Inspire
While there is some drywall used in this modern kitchen and dining space, the majority of what is seen here consists of elements used in the home’s construction. From the foundation slab used as concrete flooring to the prominently displayed cinder block walls, this is a visually and texturally arresting modern design.

Wood

Sure, the wood in that wall is terrific, but it seems more decorative than structural to me. The wood I’m focusing on is the black beam and buttress supporting the roof. What an amazing and dramatic space this becomes when it is exposed.

Brick and Wood

Painted brick and raw wood floors sets the tone in this bedroom. I can imagine just about any décor working in the space, which is one of the beauties of allowing natural materials to be on display. Using them as backdrop, the rest of your decorating chores should be a breeze.

Does your home shine a light on the materials used in its construction?